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Descripción general del proceso EB-5
Kyle Huffman • April 25, 2024
Click here to read this article in English
Embarcarse en el viaje de inmigración EB-5 es tanto un profundo esfuerzo personal como una decisión estratégica de inversión. Para las personas que buscan hacer de los Estados Unidos su nuevo hogar al tiempo que contribuyen a su panorama económico, el Programa EB-5 para Inmigrantes Inversores ofrece una vía como ninguna otra. Este programa, establecido por el gobierno estadounidense en 1990, ofrece a los inversores extranjeros la oportunidad de obtener la residencia permanente en Estados Unidos invirtiendo en empresas creadoras de empleo. Sin embargo, navegar por las complejidades del proceso EB-5 requiere un conocimiento profundo de sus complejidades, requisitos y posibles escollos. En esta guía, ofrecemos una breve descripción general de los pasos y documentos que intervienen en el proceso de inmigración EB-5, arrojando luz sobre sus componentes clave, los criterios de elegibilidad, las opciones de inversión y los pasos del procedimiento, dotando a los posibles inversores de los conocimientos necesarios para embarcarse en este viaje transformador con confianza.
Antes de seleccionar un proyecto y realizar la inversión, es importante que un inversor EB-5 consulte con una firma jurídica de inmigración para elaborar una estrategia para la solicitud. Es necesario demostrar al Servicio de Inmigración (USCIS) que todos los fondos utilizados en la inversión se obtuvieron y retuvieron legalmente, por lo que su abogado querrá saber de dónde procede el dinero para la inversión y dónde se ha retenido desde que se obtuvo.
Una vez satisfecho con la procedencia y el rastreo de los fondos, el inversor puede seleccionar un proyecto en el que invertir. Tras la aprobación de la Ley de Reforma e Integridad del EB-5, algunos proyectos de inversión ya han sido preaprobados por USCIS mediante la presentación del formulario I-956 y la designación como Centro Regional de Inversión. Por defecto, la inversión mínima requerida es de 1.050.000 dólares; sin embargo, esta cantidad se reduce a 800.000 dólares para los centros de inversión situados en "zonas de empleo específicas".
Después de presentar la inversión al centro regional, el inversor trabajará con su abogado para crear la petición I-526. En esta etapa del caso, es el momento de mostrar USCIS la fuente y el rastreo de todos los fondos utilizados para la inversión. Los tipos de documentación necesarios para demostrar el origen lícito y el rastreo de los fondos son extremadamente amplios y dependen en gran medida de la procedencia del dinero en cada caso particular, pero los documentos más comunes incluyen formularios de impuestos W-2 o 1099, declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales, extractos de cuentas bancarias, contratos de compraventa de bienes inmuebles, certificados de acciones, contratos de préstamo, documentos de herencia y registros de transferencias bancarias, entre otras muchas posibilidades.
Los solicitantes del EB-5 pueden tramitar su Green Card
a través de USCIS presentando una solicitud I-485 de Ajuste de Estatus, o bien tramitarla a través del consulado de su país de origen. Si ya se encuentra en los Estados Unidos con otro estatus válido, la solicitud de Ajuste de Estatus puede presentarse simultáneamente con la petición I-526. Si se tramita a través de un consulado en el extranjero, el inversor tendrá que esperar hasta que se apruebe la I-526 antes de iniciar el proceso consular. El solicitante principal, junto con su cónyuge y sus hijos solteros menores de 21 años pueden obtener la residencia permanente a través del proceso EB-5.
Al término de cualquiera de los dos procesos, ya sea solicitando la Green Card dentro de los Estados Unidos o buscando la entrada a través de un consulado, USCIS emitirá Green Cards condicionales, con una validez de dos años. En los últimos tres meses antes de que expire la Green Card condicional, el inversor y su familia tendrán que presentar una solicitud I-829 para la eliminación de las condiciones de la tarjeta verde. En esta fase, casi dos años después de realizada la inversión, USCIS confirma si la inversión se mantiene en el proyecto y se han creado los 10 puestos de trabajo requeridos. Tras la aprobación del formulario I-829, el inversor y su familia recibirán la Green Card permanente, con una validez de 10 años.
El inversor y su familia podrán solicitar la nacionalidad estadounidense cinco años después de la expedición de la tarjeta de residencia inicial. La Green Card condicional cuenta a estos efectos, por lo que la ciudadanía será una posibilidad aproximadamente 3 años después de que se expidan las Green Cards permanentes.
En conclusión, el Programa EB-5 para Inmigrantes Inversores constituye una vía única para que personas de todo el mundo hagan realidad sus aspiraciones de vivir y prosperar en Estados Unidos. Mediante la inversión estratégica y la dedicación a la creación de empleo, los participantes no sólo obtienen la residencia permanente, sino que también contribuyen al crecimiento económico y la prosperidad del país. Sin embargo, es crucial que los futuros inversores aborden el proceso EB-5 con una planificación meticulosa, una investigación exhaustiva y una orientación experta para sortear con éxito sus complejidades. Al comprender los requisitos del programa, explorar las opciones de inversión y cumplir las directrices de procedimiento, los aspirantes a inmigrantes pueden embarcarse en su viaje EB-5 con claridad y confianza. En última instancia, el programa EB-5 representa algo más que una vía para obtener la residencia: encarna el espíritu emprendedor, la innovación y la oportunidad que definen el sueño americano.
Si usted cree que puede calificar para el programa EB-5 o si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor programe una consulta con uno de nuestros abogados expertos y estaremos más que encantados de ayudarle.
Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Por favor, programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información leída aquí.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing new restrictions on migrants, including limitations on asylum and humanitarian protections. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate all categorical parole programs that conflict with U.S. policies , which includes parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Additionally, this provision could impact parole programs for individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Beyond restricting parole, the executive order introduces several border security measures , including building more physical barriers, increasing the number of border personnel, and stopping the use of the CBP One mobile application . The order specifically directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHS to build more border walls to establish what it calls “complete operational control” of the southern border. Additionally, it ordered the immediate shutdown of the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. Ports of Entry. As a result, all existing appointments have been canceled immediately . The order also initiates the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program , also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) , across all sectors of the southern border. Under MPP, asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration court proceedings, significantly altering the process for those seeking refuge in the country. These measures reinforce the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict asylum and humanitarian protections at the U.S. border . If you or someone you know may be affected by this executive order, it is essential to stay informed and understand your legal rights. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help navigate these evolving policies and ensure the best course of action moving forward.
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by starting or purchasing a business. Unlike other visa categories, it does not require a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their investment is substantial and sufficient to ensure the success of their business. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains active and meets the necessary criteria, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities in the U.S. One of its key advantages is flexibility. Investors can establish a new business, acquire an existing one, or enter into franchise opportunities. Additionally, spouses and children under 21 can accompany the primary applicant, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization. This makes the E-2 Visa a practical option for business-minded individuals looking to establish themselves in the U.S. market. While the E-2 Visa itself has remained a stable option, shifts in U.S. immigration policies have influenced the application process and overall investor experience. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone considering this pathway. Policy Shifts and the E-2 Visa: Lessons from the Past During the first Trump administration (2017–2021), U.S. immigration policies became more restrictive across multiple visa categories. Although the E-2 program was not directly limited, broader changes had an impact. The "Buy American, Hire American" Executive Order, signed in 2017, led to heightened scrutiny of visa applications, requiring investors to provide stronger evidence that their business would create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy. This resulted in an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials for those unable to meet these expectations. Another significant change was the suspension of the Interview Waiver Program, which meant all E-2 applicants, including renewals, had to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies. This extended processing times and increased scrutiny of applications. Additionally, visa reciprocity agreements were reviewed and adjusted, impacting validity periods and costs for certain countries. For instance, Iranian citizens were deemed ineligible for the E-2 Visa due to the termination of the treaty. These adjustments significantly affected investors from impacted nations, increasing their costs and renewal frequency. Despite these policy shifts, the approval rate for E-2 visas remained relatively stable. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, there were over 43,000 approvals in 2019, reflecting the program’s continued viability. Even in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions, approval numbers remained significant. These figures highlight that while the process became more rigorous, well-prepared investors continued to secure visas by demonstrating strong business plans, substantial investments, and clear economic contributions. What to Expect Moving Forward As the new Trump administration takes shape, further immigration policy changes are likely. While it is too soon to predict the exact impact on the E-2 Visa, past trends suggest increased scrutiny. However, the program itself has remained intact across multiple administrations, reinforcing its reliability for foreign entrepreneurs. Those considering this visa should stay informed and ensure their applications meet evolving requirements. A well-prepared investment strategy, clear documentation, and a defined job creation plan can make a significant difference in navigating any potential policy shifts. Why the E-2 Visa Remains a Strong Choice The E-2 Visa continues to be a resilient and valuable option for foreign entrepreneurs. Even during periods of policy change, approval rates have remained strong for investors with well-structured applications. The ability to renew indefinitely, combined with its flexibility in investment size and business type, makes it one of the most attractive pathways for international investors. With the right preparation, investors can confidently pursue the E-2 Visa, knowing that history has shown its stability even amid shifting political landscapes. By staying ahead of policy changes and ensuring a solid business strategy, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the opportunities the U.S. market has to offer. If you are ready to take the next step toward launching your business in the U.S., you can contact our office for expert guidance and personalized assistance with your application.
On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, significantly altering how immigration policies are enforced in the United States. This legislation grants State attorneys general and other authorized officials unprecedented authority to interpret and implement federal immigration policies. It also empowers them to take legal action against the federal government if they believe federal immigration enforcement negatively impacts their state. With this new authority, states now play a direct role in shaping immigration outcomes—a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. One of the most immediate effects of the Laken Riley Act is that it allows states to seek injunctive relief to block the issuance of visas to nationals of countries that refuse or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States . This means that if a country does not cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts, its nationals—regardless of their legal status—could face significant difficulties obtaining or renewing visas. As a result, foreign nationals from these countries may encounter increased uncertainty when traveling internationally or securing work authorization in the U.S. Beyond visa processing, the law introduces a new level of unpredictability into the immigration system. By allowing state attorneys general to intervene in federal procedures, and immigration policies that may now vary based on state-level decisions. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how individual states will wield this power—whether they will actively seek to block visa issuance or push for broader immigration enforcement measures. For foreign nationals and employers, staying informed about which countries are deemed “uncooperative” is now more important than ever. Those needing visa renewals or planning international travel should prepare for potential delays and seek professional guidance to navigate these uncertainties. The Laken Riley Act also mandates federal immigration authorities to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with certain offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. This provision underscores a stricter approach to immigration enforcement, affecting individuals accused of both minor and serious offenses. With immigration policies now subject to a new layer of state involvement, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared for potential challenges. If you have concerns about how the Laken Riley Act may affect your immigration status or business, contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm for strategic counsel tailored to your needs.
